One Of The Founding Members Of What Was Then Called The Confederate Air Force

The CAF late last year noted the passing of one of its founding members; Col. Bill Godwin. Godwin passed away December 21 last year.

According to an obituary posted on the CAF website, Godwin was a continuous fixture and important member of the CAF for more than 40 years. Godwin was born in East St. Louis, Ill. in 1925 and like many of our members he was an aviation enthusiast who wanted to be a pilot. While still in high school, he passed the written test for the Navy's aviation pilot training program, but the Navy had more than enough pilots at the time.

He was drafted into the infantry on April 7, 1944. He found himself on the ground in combat deep in the mountain jungles of the Pacific Theater instead of flying overhead.

His first contact with the Confederate Air Force came with a phone call from CAF founder Col Lloyd Nolen, to paint lettering on a vintage airplane. In 1968 he joined the CAF and from that day forward he was an active member who took great pleasure spending time with fellow Colonels and helping to preserve and fly warbirds. In the CAF’s formative years Bill played an important role in the operations of the organization, from creating signage, to guiding volunteers and founding the first PX. Bill lent his talents to the first restoration of the CAF Airpower Museum Nose Art Panels and to painting the FIFI nose art on the B-29 Superfortress.

As one of the first leaders of the Headquarters Wing, he helped establish the Wing Staff Conference in Harlingen as a way for the general staff to communicate to the growing number of wings and squadrons across the country. Wing Staff Conference remains an important annual event, bringing units together to exchange ideas and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members.

Bill Godwin’s experience within the CAF led to the creation of some of the basic operational guidelines that CAF units continue to use today. For his enduring dedication to the Commemorative Air Force, he was inducted into the CAF Hall of Fame in 2012.

(Image provided by the CAF)

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org